How does Panadol night work?

Paracetamol is thought to relieve pain by reducing the production of prostaglandins in the brain and spinal cord. Prostaglandins sensitise nerve endings, causing pain. By reducing their production paracetamol is thought to increase our pain threshold, so that although the cause of the pain remains, we can feel it less.

Diphenhydramine is a type of medicine called a sedating antihistamine. It enters the brain in sufficient quantities to have a mild sedative effect.

How do I take Panadol night?

Adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over should take two Panadol night tablets 20 minutes before going to bed.

Do not take Panadol night for more than seven nights in a row without getting advice from your doctor.

What should I know before taking Panadol night?

Panadol night may cause drowsiness and so should not be taken during the day. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Panadol night.

Do not take Panadol night if you have already taken four doses of a paracetamol containing medicine during the day, as this can easily result in exceeding the maximum recommended daily dose of paracetamol. Many over-the-counter painkillers and cold and flu remedies contain paracetamol. It is important to get advice from your pharmacist before using more than one product.

An overdose of paracetamol is dangerous and capable of causing serious damage to the liver and kidneys. You should never exceed the recommended dose of Panadol night. Get immediate medical advice in the event of an overdose with this medicine, even if you feel well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage.

Alcohol increases the risk of liver damage that can occur if an overdose of paracetamol is taken. The hazards of paracetamol overdose are greater in persistent heavy drinkers and in people with alcoholic liver disease.

Consult your doctor if your headaches become persistent. Taking a painkiller for headaches or migraine too often or for too long can actually make them worse.

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Who should not take Panadol night?

Children under 12 years of age.

People with rare hereditary blood disorders called porphyrias.

Panadol night should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using Panadol night and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Can I take Panadol night while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Panadol night is not recommended for women who are pregnant because there is insufficient information available about the safety of diphenhydramine during pregnancy.Get further advice from your doctor or pharmacist. A painkiller containing just paracetamol is fine to take during pregnancy.

If you are breastfeeding you should get medical advice from your doctor before taking Panadol night. Paracetamol and diphenhydramine pass into breast milk. While paracetamol is not known to have harmful effects on a nursing infant, the safety of diphenhydramine is not fully established.

What are the possible side effects of Panadol night?

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with Panadol night. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Drowsiness.

Unsteadiness.

Blurred vision.

Difficulty passing urine (urinary retention).

Disturbances of the gut such as constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain.

Dry mouth, nose and throat.

Confusion.

Dizziness.

Headache.

Unexpected reactions such as restlessness, nervousness or increased energy.

Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations).

Skin rash.

If you want any more information about the possible side effects of Panadol night, read the leaflet provided with the medicine or talk to your doctor or pharmacist. If you think you have experienced a side effect, did you know you can report this using the yellow card website?

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Can I take Panadol night with other medicines?

If you are already taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines and those bought without a prescription, you should check with your pharmacist before taking this medicine, to make sure that the combination is safe.

Do not take Panadol night if you have already taken four doses of a paracetamol containing medicine during the day, as this can result in an overdose of paracetamol. Many cold and flu remedies and over-the-counter painkillers contain paracetamol, so be sure to check the ingredients of any other medicines before taking them in combination with Panadol night, or ask your pharmacist.

It is fine to take Panadol night in combination with ibuprofen or aspirin.

Panadol night may cause drowsiness. This is more likely if you take it in combination with any of the following medicines, which can also cause drowsiness:

benzodiazepines, eg temazepam, diazepam

sedating antihistamines, eg chlorphenamine, promethazine, triprolidine (these are often found in other non-prescription cough, cold or hayfever remedies)

sleeping tablets, eg zopiclone

strong opioid painkillers, eg codeine, dihydrocodeine, morphine

tricyclic antidepressants, eg amitriptyline.

There may be an increased risk of side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation or difficulty passing urine if you take Panadol night with any of the following medicines:

Colestyramine reduces the absorption of paracetamol from the gut. It should not be taken within an hour of taking Panadol night or the effect of the paracetamol will be reduced.

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Metoclopramide and domperidone may speed up the absorption of paracetamol from the gut.

If you are taking an anticoagulant medicine such as warfarin it is fine to take occasional doses of paracetamol to relieve pain or fever. However, long-term or regular use of paracetamol may potentially increase the anti-blood-clotting effect of anticoagulants, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. You can get more advice about this from your doctor or pharmacist.

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